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How to Grill Brats? — Proper Methods and Tips (2022)

by Outdoor Cooking Pros March 03, 2021

This is your ultimate guide to perfecting those mouthwatering, savory bratwursts.

We'll tell you everything you need to know - from preparation to the grilling process. So grab those brats and let’s get grilling!

How to Grill Brats

A brat is a German Sausage usually encased in a natural pork casing.

The rich-flavored stuffing is made from beef, pork, or veal. These are widely available in groceries near the hot dogs section. Be sure to check and support local butcher shops, too!

Brats are fairly easy to cook but hard to perfect. Here are things you need to know on how to grill brats that will make you a pro.

Methods to Grill Bratwurst

Before you start grilling brats, make sure you have two "zones" in the grill [1] - one with charcoal, one without. The rule of thumb is to cook the brats in the zone with no charcoal.

Next, brush some oil on the grill grates to avoid having a bratwurst sticking to them. If a brat sticks, the casing would be pulled apart which will cause the juice and pork meat to flow out. Plus, putting oil on the grill would give them a nice charred look.

Preparing the Sausage Before Cooking

Althoughnot a prerequisite, boiling them ensures that the brats won't be raw inside after grilling. It adds an extra flavor to your sausages too!

You can prepare a simple sausage bath using beer or beef broth. Place the sausages on a pan, submerge them just up to ¾ in the liquid of your choice, put on a lid, and bring to a simmer.

Before putting them on the grill, wait for another 10 minutes to make sure they have warmed up.

Determining the Right Temperature

One crucial thing you should remember is to let them stay on until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend using a meat thermometer to help you check the temperature of the brat.

If you have a thermometer with a stick handle, you can insert it on the opening of the brat casing to avoid puncturing the bratwurst.

Duration of Grilling

When placed in indirect heat, you’ll allow the interior of the bratwurst to cook without burning the outer layer.

Thus, refrain from opening the lid too much!

The more you open it, the longer it takes to cook. Rotate to the side as needed. Cook time should take around 18-20 minutes depending on the size.

Finish them off by searing them. This would give the sausage acrispy, smoky skin on the outside and keep it juicy inside.

To do this, place the brats on direct heat for no more than 2 minutes. Rotate the sausages every 30 seconds until all sides are perfectly charred to a nice dark brown color.

Tips and Reminders for Perfectly Cooked Brats

Grilled brats take an average of 20 minutes to char broil. To ensure that it cooks all the way through, never place them on direct high heat. This will burn the skin and create a rupture which will cause the juice to come out. Not only will you get uncooked brats, but the meat will also be dry and chewy as well.

Buns matter! A regular kind of hot dog bun won’t do the trick when you have bratwursts. Use a larger bun, those that are crunchy outside and soft inside to complement the flavors of the brats. Add your choice of condiments, andvoila, it's ready to serve.

Let them sit in beer. Brats are best served hot. If you are expecting a crowd, you might want to create a beer sauce. Simply mix in beer, onions, and a bit of butter in a pan. Keep it cooking over low heat, then add the brats into the beer mixture. This would amp up the flavor and keep the brats in a nice temperature without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to boil brats before grilling?

There is no right or wrong answer to whether brats should be boiled prior to grilling. Some like to go straight for the grill. For those erring on the side of caution and are hesitant to rely on just the grill, boiling them first is a way to ensure they are cooked inside and out.

How do you grill uncooked brats?

Place the brats on the zone or side of the grill with no charcoal for 20 minutes, rotating them as needed. Refrain from opening the lid to ensure that it's cooked through on the inside. Finish by searing them for 2 minutes.

How long do you simmer brats before grilling?

Simmering time should only take about 5 minutes. Remember to let them rest before popping them on the grill!

Curious about kamado grills? Go ahead and check out two options: Kamado Joe and Primo, next!

Conclusion

That's all everything you need to know on how to grill brats. You don’t need rocket science to achieve those perfectly charred brats. After serving these, be ready to hold more grilling sessions at your house. This will surely be added to your list of best meals!

See more of our grilling guides below:

Michael Thompson

Michael Anderson is a seasoned SEO content writer with an impressive track record spanning 13 years. His extensive experience in the field was cultivated through his work at renowned marketing agencies, where he honed his skills in crafting compelling and optimized content. Michael's expertise has been instrumental in helping businesses achieve their digital marketing goals. As a member of our team at Semrush, he consistently delivers high-quality content, leveraging his deep knowledge of SEO strategies to empower marketers with effective insights and recommendations.